Possession Arrow 1/11/2018: Five Storylines of the Season (So Far)

By Pat Tregoning, @PatNShaker


Welcome back to another edition of the Possession Arrow.

If you are coming down from the adrenaline of the CFP National Championship and you are looking for another sport to occupy your time? Welcome to College Basketball. This season has had a lot of compelling storylines as we are 60 days until Selection Sunday. In this edition of Possession Arrow, we give you the storylines to get you up to speed, four national headlines and one local headline.

1. There is no "favorite" for the National Championship so far. There are just a bunch of "good teams".

We are approaching 60 days to the NCAA Selection Show, and no one team has solidified themselves as THE favorite heading into March. We have had three different teams hold the top spot in the polls at some point or another this season (Duke, Michigan State, Villanova) and the teams we commonly find in the top 10-15, have all lost their fair share of games heading down the stretch this season, most recently Michigan State getting thumped by Ohio State in Columbus this past weekend. We have a case where 8-12 teams could all make a case to win the National Title in April, which team will seize the opportunity?

2. Kansas' Big 12 regular season title streak is in serious jeopardy

Jayhawk fans will tell you they are underachieving this year, and they are partially right. Coming into this season, Bill Self has only lost ten games at Allen Fieldhouse in his lengthy career. Kansas started the second week of January with TWO losses at home already. Depth is a big concern for the Jayhawks as they continue to limp to the end of the season, which is putting thei consecutive regular season title streak in serious jeopardy. The other half of that argument is that the Big 12 has risen up and become a tough conference this year. Outside of Kansas, you have West Virginia, Oklahoma and Trae Young (more on him later), Texas and Mo Bamba (more coming up), TCU is not an easy out and Texas Tech is a scary team to face this season. I'm not saying its a guarantee; but it is an intriguing situation to monitor.

3. Trae Young has taken the College Basketball world by storm

If you don't know who Trae Young is? You need to take the time to watch Oklahoma basketball. In one season, he has become THE National Player of The Year favorite and a skyrocketing lottery pick. With his play being compared to Steph Curry and his passing ability compared to some of the best dimers in the Association today, NBA scouts are flocking to Norman, Oklahoma to see Trae play. He is averaging a 56 percent assist rate while averaging 29.5 PPG. If you need someone to watch this season? Trae Young is a great player to watch (*cough cough* Cavs fans re: Brooklyn pick)

4. This is the year of the Big Man

No big man has won the Most Outstanding Player since 2012 (Anthony Davis). The men in the middle are dominating this season from the big time players like Marvin Bagley III (Duke) is solidifying himself as a top 3 pick, Mo Bamba (above, Texas) is a freak 6-11 brick wall averaging 5 blocks a game. DeAndre Ayton is 7-1, 250 pounds and has surged to the top of draft boards in Arizona, averaging 20 PPG and 11 RPG. If you want a big man outside of the big schools? Look to Jock Landale of Saint Mary's in California averaging 21 PPG and 10 RPG. Seton Hall's Angel Delgado has also had a double-double in 13 of 16 games this season. The big men are dominating this season, and they will all be players to watch in the NBA next season.

5. Ohio State Basketball is not officially "back".....but the future is very bright

If you read my article on the keys to a successful Chris Holtmann era in Columbus, you know what they needed. They needed the players to buy in to the Chris Holtmann system and for Holtmann to win the recruiting battle in Ohio. It's safe to say the Buckeyes are buying in to Holtmann's system. Coming into this season, Ohio State was picked by most to finish at the bottom of the Big Ten. They have silenced those critics with a 13-4 start, with wins at Wisconsin, Iowa and against then number one Michigan State by 16 at home. We have seen a renaissance from Keita Bates-Diop from potential Buckeye bust, to a bright NBA future. Obviously, we have two months of basketball left to play, so lets not crown them yet (RIP Dennis Green), but the future is VERY bright for the Buckeyes in Columbus.

Possession Arrow: MARCH MADNESS IS FINALLY HERE!

By Pat Tregoning, @PatNShaker

Welcome back to another edition of the Possession Arrow. The brackets have been announced and we will have you covered from wall-to-wall. In this edition, we will give you breakdowns of each regions, including first round upset alerts, "can't miss" match-ups in the first weekend and who I think will come out of each region.

EAST REGION: 

1. Villanova
2. Duke
3. Baylor
4. Florida
5. Virginia
6. SMU
7. South Carolina
8. Wisconsin
9. Virginia Tech
10. Marquette
11. Providence/USC
12. UNC Wilmington
13. East Tennessee State
14. New Mexico State
15. Troy
16. Mount St. Marys/New Orleans

The overall number one seed of the tournament belongs to the defending champion Villanova Wildcats. The region's top four teams are rounded out by Duke, Baylor and the Florida Gators. All eyes are pointing to a regional final at MSG of Villanova versus Duke, but do not sleep on the rest of this bracket. This region is loaded with first round upsets as well. A potential South Carolina-Duke second round matchup is something to watch for as it would set up a legitimate home game (Greenville, SC). If you are looking for possible upsets in round one? Look no further than your typical "5-12" matchup with the Virginia Cavaliers versus the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) Seahawks. Another upset to watch for in the opening round of this region is the 4:13 matchup between the Florida Gators and the East Tennessee State Buccaneers. When the smoke clears, I have the red hot Duke Blue Devils behind the play of Grayson Allen/Ohio's Luke Kennard and NBA prospect Jayson Tatum (see my NBA draft post in the archives on him) led by Coach K advancing over the defending champs to go to the Final Four.


WEST REGION

1. Gonzaga
2. Arizona
3. Florida State
4. West Virginia
5. Notre Dame
6. Maryland
7. Saint Marys
8. Northwestern (First Tourney appearance EVER)
9. Vanderbilt
10. Virginia Commonwealth (VCU)
11. Xavier
12. Princeton
13. Bucknell
14. Florida Gulf Coast
15. North Dakota
16. South Dakota State 

This region has the best chance to go upset-free in my opinion. The West is led by the Gonzaga Wildcats who held down the number one spot in the polls for most of the final third of the college basketball season. They are a team that can shoot the rock (43% from deep this season) but they also play tenacious defense (averaging five blocks per game) led by their big man Przemek Karnowski (7'1 300 lbs). Coach Mark Few always has his teams ready to go and they should have a relatively easy road to the Sweet 16.

From there? It gets interesting.

Don't sleep on Bob Huggins and "Press Virginia" team as a possible team that could knock off Gonzaga. Notre Dame's balanced team, (advanced to either Sweet 16 or Elite 8 the last two tourneys) could also pose a threat to the Bulldogs in Sweet 16 play as well.

Do not sleep on the Arizona Wildcats either to make a deep run into the tournament led by their big man Lauri Markkanen. The play of Alonzo Trier and Kobi Simmons has come on strong for Sean Miller's team at the right time, If they can combat the 2-3 zone that teams play against them, I think the Arizona Wildcats will come out of the West Region to face the Blue Devils.



MIDWEST REGION: 

1. Kansas
2. Louisville
3. Oregon
4. Purdue
5. Iowa State
6. Creighton
7. Michigan 
8. Miami Hurricanes
9. Michigan State
10. Oklahoma State 
11. Rhode Island
12. Nevada
13. Vermont
14. Iona
15. Jacksonville State
16. NC Central/UC Davis 

This is the region that could mess EVERYONE'S bracket up. I urge all readers to approach this region with caution. A possible powerhouse matchup of Kansas led by Josh Jackson versus Tom Izzo's Michigan State Spartans led by Miles Bridges could throw brackets into a tailspin. If the Jayhawks can get out of the first weekend and into the Sweet 16? They have an easy shot at reaching the Final Four.

This region is also home to the trendiest "underdog" to make a run in the tourney, John Beilein's Michigan Wolverines. After having a near-death experience and being forced to play part of the Big Ten tourney in practice uniforms, they made a cinderella run to win the B1G tourney and make the dance. They will be an underdog team to watch.

This region has upset alert potential in round one. Some possible upsets in round one include Rhode Island upsetting Creighton in the 6/11 matchup, Oklahoma State and Michigan in the 7/10 matchup and Nevada/Iowa State in the traditional 5/12 matchup as well.

Who comes out of the region in the end? It is hard to pick against the Kansas Jayhawks. Led by Player Of The Year candidates Josh Jackson and Frank Mason III and coach Bill Self, they have overcome adversity throughout the season, this March will be no different. I have the Jayhawks advancing out of the Midwest.



SOUTH REGION

1. North Carolina
2. Kentucky
3. UCLA
4. Butler
5. Minnesota
6. Cincinnati
7. Dayton
8. Arkansas
9. Seton Hall
10. Wichita State 
11. Kansas State/Wake Forest
12. Middle Tennessee
13. Winthrop
14. Kent State
15. Northern Kentucky
16. Texas Southern

This region has the best 1-2-3 seeds in the entire tournament, all three teams can make strong cases to win the National Title. Unfortunately, only one team can come out of each region. North Carolina is a veteran team that has quietly handled it's business all season. Led by coaching legend Roy Williams, the Tar Heels have proven they can win with either finesse play with guys like Joel Barry II and Justin Jackson, or by brute strength with Kennedy Meeks and Isaiah Hicks. They are a true "pick your poison" type team. All eyes will be on the guard play of UNC, after losing Kenny Williams to an ACL tear this year. Can Joel Barry have a big tournament to makeup for the thin depth of guards?

Then we have the Wildcats of Kentucky. Led by their big four of Malik Monk, De'Aaron Fox, Bam Adebayo and Isaiah Briscoe, the cats of the Bluegrass State have the NBA-ready talent but what they lack the most? Veteran leadership. With only three players on their roster with at least two years of collegiate playing experience, it will be interesting to see how they handle the bright lights and big stage of this tournament, as it could be the only thing standing between them and another title for Big Blue Nation.

Finally, there is the UCLA Bruins. Everyone is talking about Lonzo Ball (more for his Dad's comments but that is for another day) but you can not leave out the play of freshman big TJ Leaf as well with the two of them becoming the Bruins most dynamic duo since two guys by the names of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love. This Bruins team is not afraid of the big stage (win at Kentucky) and they can also score with the best of them 90.5 points per game. The offensive efficiency is key for the Bruins to make a deep tournament run and if they can tighten up the defense? Look out for Steve Alford's team.

If you are looking for first round upsets, this region will have them for you. I like 12th seeded Middle Tennessee led by Giddy Potts (best name in College Hoops ever) over the 5th seeded Golden Gophers of Minnesota in round one and don't rule out 10 seed Wichita State getting past the 7th seeded Flyers of Dayton in round one.

So who comes out of this top heavy region? I think the offensive efficiency of the UCLA Bruins find a way to slay the beasts of the South Region and head to the Final Four.



So then there were four.....

National Semifinal one: Duke Blue Devils vs Arizona Wildcats

Two teams with potent offenses could make for a classic Final Four matchup. Arizona with six players averaging between 9 and 17 points per game while Duke has a rounded offensive attack between Kennard/Allen and the other teammates. This might come down to whomever has the ball last. In the end? I think the Duke Blue Devils have just too many weapons for the Wildcats to deal with and advance to the National Title Game.

National Semifinal two: Kansas Jayhawks vs UCLA Bruins

These two teams cancel each other out matchup wise. You have a strong point guard matchup between Frank Mason III and Lonzo Ball. With strong play from forwards TJ Leaf and Josh Jackson, these teams matchup very well. At the end of the day? I think UCLA Bruins pulls a 2016 Villanova and rides the wave of offensive efficiency and reaches the National Title game.

National Title game: Duke Blue Devils vs UCLA Bruins

In a matchup of scoring attacks, Duke and UCLA could setup for an instant classic National Title game. Can Lonzo cement his place in UCLA lore? Or can Duke overcome the season of adversity? In the end, I think Duke has the most reliable offensive weapons and when they need to, they can lock in and play defense. It also comes down to coaching and when comparing the coaches, it's no question, you go with Coach K over Steve Alford. With that being said, I have the Duke Blue Devils cutting down the nets and winning the 2017 National Championship. 

There you have it folks, my March Madness prediction for this season. May your pencils be sharpened and may the brackets be forever in your favor. 

Possession Arrow: College Basketball Season Preview

By Pat Tregoning, @PatNShaker

The most wonderful season of the sports year has returned! College basketball season just got underway this past week with the 24-Hour College Hoops Tipoff Marathon, signifying the beginning of the journey to this year’s Men’s Final Four in Phoenix, Arizona. In this edition of Possession Arrow., we will give you everything you need to know for this exciting season that awaits us; from previewing the favorites to win the tournament to bold predictions to WAY too early Final Four predictions, we have it all for you here.


The Favorites

Duke Blue Devils (Last Season: 25-11,11-7; NCAA Sweet Sixteen)

Duke enters this college hoops season as one of the favorites to cut down the nets come tournament time. With Brandon Ingram seeing playing time in The Association for the Lakers. All eyes are on junior Greyson Allen, redshirt senior Amile Jefferson and former Mr. Ohio Basketball recipient sophomore Luke Kennard (Franklin, OH) to lead the number two recruiting class (per ESPN) to NCAA glory. This freshmen class is the one to watch as three possible lottery picks will see significant playing time this season between PF Harry Giles, G Frank Jackson and F Jayson Tatum. If the veterans of this team can stay healthy and the freshmen can meet the goals of the Cameron Crazies? Expect to see the Blue Devils in Phoenix this April.

Kansas Jayhawks (Last Season: 33-5,15-3; NCAA Elite Eight)

One of the few constants in College Basketball is the Kansas Jayhawks. The Jayhawks have won the Big 12 each of the last 12 seasons and have not missed the NCAA tournament since 1989. Do not expect that to change this year under Bill Self. While Perry Ellis and Wayne Selden have moved on from the Jayhawks; Frank Mason III, Devonte Graham and Landon Lucas are back to lead this team. With the addition of freshman sensation SF Josh Jackson (ESPN #2 overall recruit), all eyes will be to Allen Fieldhouse and the Kansas Jayhawks to make a possible National Championship run.

Villanova Wildcats (Last Season: 35-5,16-2; NCAA National Champions)

Villanova produced one of the most exciting finishes in NCAA Championship Game history last year with Kris Jenkins hitting the jumper at the horn to give the Wildcats the title. Villanova will never beat you with flashy lottery picks or dazzling plays, however they will beat you with grinding offensive efficiency and physical defense. Despite losing last year’s Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA tournament in Ryan Arcidiacono; Player of The Year candidate Josh Hart, hero Kris Jenkins return (among others) to lead the Wildcats on the quest to repeat as National Champions under coach Jay Wright. Look for the winningest program in the last three years to quietly make another dominant run in the tournament.

Kentucky Wildcats (Last Season: 27-9,13-5; NCAA Round of 32)

When I say ‘Kentucky Basketball’, you can’t help but think of lottery picks and talented freshmen. Despite losing three players to last season’s draft, expect a reload of talent from the Wildcats this season under John Calipari. Big Blue Nation welcomes in the number one freshmen class (per ESPN) led by PF Edrice ‘Bam’ Adebayo, PG De’Andre Fox, SG Malik Monk and PF Wenyen Gabriel. Along with G Isaiah Briscoe, the Wildcats have high expectations for another deep run in the NCAA Tournament with the hope of putting another title banner in Rupp Arena.    



Two Bold Predictions for this season

The ACC will have 11 teams in the Field of 68

The ACC is by far THE conference this season and I expect to see them tie the record of most teams in the tournament from one conference, previously held by the Big East. With Duke, North Carolina, Virginia, Louisville, Syracuse leading the charge, teams like Clemson, Pittsburgh, Notre Dame, NC State, Miami and Florida State to name a few will have great chances to earn at-large bids into the NCAA field.


Kansas will tie UCLA’s record of 13 straight regular season titles

The Big 12’s best chance to foil this opportunity was last year behind Oklahoma and Buddy Hield. Kansas is the easy favorite in the Big 12 this year to tie this record set by UCLA from 1967-1979 with Bill Self at the helm for all 12 (soon to be 13) regular season titles. The last time Kansas did NOT win a Big 12 regular season title? George W. Bush was the President and LeBron James was in his rookie year.



Don’t Sleep On These Teams (for a deep tournament run)

UCLA Bruins
North Carolina Tar Heels
Gonzaga Bulldogs
Virginia Cavaliers
Wisconsin Badgers
Oregon Ducks
Louisville Cardinals
Syracuse Orange
Xavier Musketeers
Michigan State Spartans


My Preseason Award Picks

Player of the Year: Grayson Allen, G Duke
Coach of the Year: Bill Self, Kansas

My WAY too early Final Four picks

Final Four: Duke, Kansas, Villanova, Kentucky
Champion: Duke Blue Devils

TV Tonight 9.24

By @nevaRWilliams

NFL
NFL Thursday Night Kickoff (CBS/NFL Network, 8pm)
Redskins @ Giants (CBS/NFL Network, 8:25pm)

MLB
Indians @ Twins (STO, 8pm)
Brewers @ Cardinals OR White Sox @ Yankees (MLB Network, 8pm)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Cincinnati @ Memphis (ESPN, 7:30pm)

WNBA
Conference Final Game 1 (ESPN 2, 7pm)
Conference Final Game 1 (ESPN 2, 9pm)

=====

Heroes Reborn SERIES PREMIERE (NBC, 8pm)
Grey's Anatomy SEASON PREMIERE (ABC, 8pm)
WWE SmackDown (SyFy, 8pm)

Scandal SEASON PREMIERE (ABC, 9pm)
Party Down South (CMT, 9pm)

The Player SERIES PREMIERE (NBC, 10pm)
How To Get Away With Murder (ABC, 10pm)
Married (FX, 10pm)
Review (Comedy Central, 10pm)
Dominion (SyFy, 10pm)
Gainesville (CMT, 10pm)

Leadoff with Lee 1.19.15 #SuperBowlXLIX #Paterno #Scherzer

By @cleeverizon

- Late last night, free agent pitcher Max Scherzer agreed to a 7 year deal with the Washington Nationals. Scherzer went 18-5 last season, with a 3.18 ERA over 33 starts for the Detroit Tigers. He's led the American League in wins the last two season and won the Cy Young Award in 2013. Terms of the deal are not yet known.

- The Seattle Seahawks overcame a 16-0 deficit at halftime, only to return to the Super Bowl with a 28-22 overtime win over the Green Bay Packers. The Seahawks had 5 turnovers in the game and Russell Wilson threw 4 interceptions. Marshawn Lynch went #BeastMode and had plenty of 'Skittles' rushing for 157 yards and 1 touchdown. Russell Wilson finished 14/29 throwing 209 yards, 4 interceptions and 1 touchdown. Wilson's lone touchdown was a 35 yard game winning strike to Jermaine Kearse.          

- The Patriots rode the Colts into Super Bowl 49! New England defeated Indianapolis 45-7 in the AFC championship game. Tom Brady left the game to "Brady, Brady" chants and finished 23/35 for 226, 3 TDs, 1 INT. Brady is on to start in the record breaking 6th Super Bowl as a starter. LaGarrette Blount got "Fleeky, Fleeky, Fleeky" scoring 3 touchdowns and racking up 148 yards rushing. Julian Edelman was the leading receiver for the Pats, catching 9 passes for 98 yards. Bill Belichick simply said in his post game presser with this victory, "We're on to Seattle".

Belichick has passed Tom Landry for the most postseason wins with 21 by an NFL head coach in NFL history.                                  


- Previous to the Colts loss to New England, the Colts have been working on the details of a deal for QB Andrew Luck for a new contract. It could be the richest deal in NFL worth around $25 million per year.

- The Broncos are finalized a 4-year deal with Gary Kubiak to become their next head coach. With Kyle Shanahan going to the Falcons, Adam Gase becomes the front runner to be their offensive coordinator.

- The Falcons now have to wait two weeks to hire Seahawks DC Dan Quinn as their new head coach , but they will wait and he is their expected choice. The Falcons will also hire former Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan for that same position.    

- John Fox parted ways with the Broncos the day after he lost to the Colts, and has landed as the Chicago Bears new head coach. Dennis Allen, the one time Raiders head coach, is believed to be a candidate for defensive coordinator.        

- On the Browns Offensive coordinator search, Jim Hostler interviewed on Friday.  The 49ers are interested in hiring former Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski to become their offensive coordinator. Currently "Chud" is with the Indianapolis Colts as a special assistant. The 49ers can now interview him for the position with the Colts being eliminated from the playoffs yesterday.                                

- Joe Paterno is the winningest coach in the NCAA for the second time. After the Jerry Sandusky child molestation scandal, the NCAA wiped out 112 wins from 1998-2011 for Paterno and Penn State. On Friday as part of a settlement filed by Pennsylvania officials, the NCAA restored 112 wins. With his record of 409-136-3, built from 1966 until he was fired near the end of the 2011 season, Joe Paterno again becomes the major-college football coach with the most victories.                                        

- Along with Friday's Cavs victory against the L.A Clippers, LeBron James became the youngest NBA player is history to score 24,000 points. Kobe Bryant was 31 years, 75 days old when he set the record. LeBron broke the record at 30 years, 17 days. James scored 32 points, had 11 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals in his milestone game.                                        

- NBA and college basketball commentator Greg Anthony was charged Friday afternoon with soliciting a prostitute. CBS has suspended Anthony indefinitely, saying he will not call another game for the network this year. If I'm reading into this correctly, the spokesperson did say "this year". Which brings me to believe depending on the outcome of the case, he could return next year. Greg Anthony played for 6 NBA teams from 1991 until he retired in 2002. Anthony won a national championship with UNLV in 1990. If Marv Albert survived his scandal, I'm sure Greg Anthony will survive his.                          

- Ohio State coach Urban Meyer will appear on "Real Sports" on HBO on Tuesday at 10 PM with Andrea Kremer.    

Leadoff with Lee 11.18.14

By @cleeverizon

- LeBron James won the Eastern conference player of the week. He averaged 35 points, 7 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game last week. This is the 27th time James has one the player of the week award while wearing a Cavs uniform and 1st this season. This is also the 46th time that James has won the player of the week award, and the 44th time a Cleveland Cavalier has won the player of the week award. Currently, LeBron James is 24th all time in NBA scoring. James also has surpassed Micheal Jordan with 75 games averaging 25+ points per game, 5+ assists per game and 5+ rebounds per game.

- The Miami Marlins and outfielder Giancarlo Stanton have agreed to a 13 year, $325 million contract extension. The deal is pending approval from the commissioner's office which should be complete by today and announced by Wednesday. Stanton's contract is the richest contract in North American sports history, and includes a full no trade clause and a player opt out after six seasons. Stanton is going to make $25 million per season or $154,321 per game or to break it down further, that's $68,449 per day for the next 13 years. Let that marinate for a bit.

- The Atlanta Braves dealt outfielder Jason Heyward and reliever Jordan Walden to the St. Louis Cardinals for pitcher Shelby Miller and minor leaguer Tyrell Jenkins. The Cardinals felt like they needed to pursue Heyward after the death of Oscar Taveras last month. St. Louis hopes to sign the 25 year old Heyward to an extension going into the next season. Last season, Shelby Miller was 10-9 with a 3.74 ERA for the Cards in his second season after going 15-9 with a 3.06 ERA in 2013 as a rookie.

- The Division I Men's NCAA Basketball committee has selected the Final Four game sites for the upcoming years of 2017 through 2021. Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ will host in 2017, San Antonio, TX in 2018, Minneapolis, MN in 2019, Atlanta, GA in 2020 and Indianapolis, IN for 2021. Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium will also host to 2015 final four.

“This certainly was a very competitive process, so selecting Indianapolis to host the 2021 Final Four presented the committee an opportunity to select four other cities for the original span of the bid cycle,” said Dan Gavitt, NCAA vice president of men’s basketball. “The agreement we have with the city of Indianapolis provides flexibility to the site selection process, so any reasonable option that benefited the event while maintaining the integrity of the bid process for the other finalist cities was considered. The Indianapolis local organizing committee was receptive of the idea and assured us that they would be prepared with guarantees from the venues and local hotels.” San Antonio, which hosted the event three times from 1998-2008, was selected to host in 2018. Renovations are planned for the Alamodome, which will become the sixth facility to host at least four Final Fours.

Two buildings currently under construction will host the 2019 and 2020 Final Four tournaments.

Minneapolis most recently hosted the Final Four in 2001, and will stage the event for the fourth time in 2019 at the new Minnesota Multi-Purpose Stadium. This will be the city’s third venue to crown a national champion. Williams Arena hosted the national title game in 1951, while the Metrodome hosted the Final Four in 1992 and 2001.

The Final Four will return to Atlanta for the fifth time in 2020, when new Atlanta Stadium, which is currently under construction, becomes the third venue to host the event in the city. The Omni hosted the Final Four in 1977, while the Georgia Dome was the site in 2002, 2007 and 2013. Atlanta will be the seventh city to host at least five championship games.

- Columbus, OH will host the 2018 NCAA Women's Final Four. New Orleans will host the Women's Final Four for a record 4 time in 2020. They also hosted the 1991, 2004 and 2013 games.

- Jabaal Sheard looks to be out for the rest of the season with a bone injury to his foot. He will get a second opinion today, but it's not expected to be a Lisfranc injury. Karlos Dansby went down Sunday as well with a sprained MCL. Surgery is not required but only time and rest can heal that particular injury. He is expected to be out for 4 weeks, according to Browns head coach Mike Pettine. Phil Taylor had a successful knee surgery yesterday by the world renouned Dr. James Andrews. Taylor is looking forward to a full recovery and will rehab with the Cleveland Browns training staff in Berea.

- The Ohio State Buckeyes chances of playing in the National Championship game this year just increased, according to Vegas oddsmakers. The Buckeyes are now tied for 3rd with Florida State with 6/1 odds. Alabama is 2nd with 5/2 odds and Oregon has the best chance with 15/4 odds.

Leadoff with Lee 10.6.14

Wow! The Browns overcame a 25 point deficit to record a 29-28 victory against the Tennessee Titans. The Browns now hold the record for the biggest comeback in NFL history by a road team. And of course, the biggest comeback in Browns history. Browns running back Ben Tate had a career-high rushing day going for 123 yards. I feel no matter who is running the ball for the Browns, the offensive line is the most improved personal group from last year.

-Peyton Manning threw for his 500th career touchdown yesterday versus the Arizona Cardinals. He finished the game with 479 yards and 4 touchdowns.

-Washington State quarterback Connor Halliday had a career-high and set a NCAA Division I record throwing for 734 yards in addition to 6 touchdowns in a 60-59 loss to Cal.

-Five of the top eight in the Associated Press poll lost in the same week for the first time in history. #2 Oregon lost to Arizona 31-24, #3 Alabama lost to #11 Mississippi 23-17, #4 Oklahoma lost to #25 Texas Christian University 37-3,3 #6 Texas A&M lost to #12 Mississippi State 48-31 and #8 UCLA lost to Utah 30-28.

-The American League must be full of brooms. As the Kansas City Royals swept the Los Angeles Angels in three games in the best of five series, the Baltimore Orioles also swept the Detroit Tigers in their 5 game series. The Orioles and Royals will get some well deserved rest as the series doesn't start until Friday October 10.

-Leadoff with Lee will be returning on a regular basis starting today. I'm just getting adjusted to covering the national sports scene and figuring out what's hot and what's not. @neveRWilliams and myself will be providing Cavs coverage for this season, so expect previews and recaps of the Cavs this season. Leadoff with Lee every morning to get your early morning sports fix!

-I think this is the way most Browns fans were dancing after we beat the Tennessee Titans yesterday. Check out this video:

Loading

Man! #2014 #CadiacKids #WeTooLive

View on Instagram

Leadoff with Lee 8.8.14

-It seems as if the Kevin Love to Cleveland deal is about as official as it comes. The news hit the wire yesterday morning about the trade of Kevin Love to Cleveland in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and a protected first round 2015 draft pick. Cleveland has received word that Kevin Love will opt out of his 2015 player option and re-sign with the Cavs for the max deal of 5 years, $120 million dollars.

People have said why would he do that when LeBron only signed a 2 year deal with a player option for the second year? Real simple. The NBA television contract renewals are coming up. LeBron will opt out and re-sign for a max deal. After "The King" signs his deal, Kevin Love will sign his max deal. Well what if LeBron doesn't want to re-sign? He didn't come home to go somewhere else. Remember he's from here, his wife's family is from here, his mom is here, he wants his kids to go to Akron schools and don't forget about that nice ass house in Bath Township in which he's barely lived in. Interesting tidbit I received from a source in Minnesota today, was that the Wolves gave the Cavs permission more than 3 weeks to negiotiate with Kevin Love and secure a trade. Andrew Wiggins also has known about him being involved in a trade and his agent has already negotiated sponsor deals with Minnesota businesses. Once Wiggins gets traded this will only be the 2nd time since the NBA/ABA merger that a player will be traded before playing a game for the team that drafted him. The first time was the Golden State Warrior (Anfernee Hardaway) and Orlando Magic (Chris Webber) trade in 1993. Talk about a flashback Friday!

- Kevin Durant withdrew from USA Basketball. Durant is citing physical and mental fatigue from the lengthy season. Personally, I'm saying he fears of being injured after watching Paul George's gruesome, season ending injury last Friday.

-There is now a "Big 5"! The 5 largest conferences in college sports (ACC, Big Ten, SEC, Big 12 and PAC-12) will create their own governing body with a 80 person committee including 15 athletes. Some of the changes that will be made within these conferences are increasing the amount of scholarship money, health care for student athletes, agent jurisdictions (agents can start interviewing prospects while juniors), decreased time demands allowing student athletes more free time and paying for families of student athletes to post season play plus a player stipend. These by-laws will be voted on by members in January of 2015 and will take effect the same season. Just imagine if this was in effect during tattoo-gate. We would have had another trophy in the case down in Columbus.

-Wow! That's all I could say when I seen the artist renderings of the renovation plans at Progressive Field. A stadium that was built 20 years ago will look like it was built in 2015 after it gets a facelift. The upgrades will include the LONG awaited Larry Doby statue, a new kids clubhouse, an upper deck bar, feature local area foods from the Tremont and Ohio City areas of Cleveland, a new team shop, new social area, bullpens that will be redesigned (so we won't have 2 balls on the field like we did Tuesday), a brand new Gate C and many more upgrades. The first phase will be complete by the beginning of the 2015 season using "Dolans Dollars" and the second phase will be paid for by the "Sin Tax" money.

-In Browns training camp news... LeBron James attended camp with his kids. In a practice that was closed to the public and obviously a secret that was kept between Browns brass and LBJ, LeBron and his crew watched the last hour of practice. After practice, many Browns players scrambled to their lockers to get their phones so they could snap a picture with LBJ. Joe Haden and Phil Taylor had the second best picture besides the Lebron and Johnny Manziel picture. Head coach Mike Pettine had a chance to talk to James and refrained from having James lineup on offence so Manziel could throw him a pass.

-One key note that was said during practice is that WR Travis Benjamin will be the Browns kickoff and punt return specialist this season. Benjamin is returning from a season ending ACL injury last year and is 100% ready to take on the challenge.

-My Grandpa, I mean Greg Oden was arrested Wednesday night for battery. No weapons were involved so this will be a misdemeanor case. When police arrived, they found a woman lying on the ground with blood on her face. Police said she also had swelling on her nose and cuts to her forehead. The victim refused medical treatment. A witness and relative tried to hold Oden back but his arm got free and struck the victim. Oden was calm, apologetic and cooperative during his arrest. Greg Oden and the his ex-girlfriend broke up about 2 months ago. It is not known what started the argument at this time.

-The Indians lost 4-0 to Cincinnati. And that's all I will say about that.

-The Tribe traded Vinnie Pestano to the Angels for class-A right hander Michael Clevinger, the Angels 4th round pick in 2011. Clevinger is 23, with a 4-3 record and a 4.31 ERA in 18 starts this season. The 6'4" 220 pound righty has 85 strikeouts and 42 walks in 79 1/3 innings pitched.

-Can I dunk on my momma? Jeremy Lin did. Check the video below...lol.

Leadoff with Lee 7.15.14

-Swagger Like us, No one in the NFL got Swagger like us! Browns Vice President of fan expirence Kevin Griffin announced a new mascot is coming to the Dawg Pound. He is a bull mastiff named Swagger the will lead the charge on the field for the 2014 NFL season. Cleveland is the 4th team in the NFL to use a live animal onto the field. The Broncos have a white Arabian horse named Thunder II, the Ravens have ravens named Rise and Conquer and the Seahawks have a hawk named Tamia. Now the Browns have Swagger, I know how the city of Cleveland feels now with Johnny Football here and LBJ. Yes, Cleveland has some swag and Swagger now.

-Browns owner and Pilot Flying J owner Jimmy Haslem have reached a agreement with the U.S Department of Justice, which says the D.O.J will NOT prosecute Pilot Flying J or Jimmy Haslem. At this time all the details of the agreement have not been disclosed. What is know is monetary damages will be paid to the companies affected over the next two years in the sum of $92 million dollars and a agreement to work with prosecution. It's obvious that Jimmy Haslem had know knowledge of the rebate scandal and will help weed out the people who put him and his business in jeopardy.

-The Ohio State Buckeyes have a chance to put some new hardware in their trophy case this season. The NCAA has announced that a new National Championship trophy will be presented this year. It's far removed from the Chrystal football that has been seen kisses by Matt Wilhelm and Mike Doss in the past, but is definitely an upgrade and something different that hopefully the Bucks can still kiss and pass around.

-Oakland's Yoenis Cespedes took home his 2nd straight Home Run Derby championship, beating Cincinnati's Todd Frazier 9-1 in the final round. The last player to win in back to back years was Ken Griffey Jr. in 1998 and 1999.